Boulder seeks public input on use of 'e-bikes' on city's multi-use paths

By Joe Rubino, Camera Staff Writer

Posted:
08/06/2013 02:40:30 PM MDT

Updated:
08/06/2013 02:49:41 PM MDT

Boulder officials are seeking public input on a pilot program that would allow electric-assisted bicycles, or e-bikes, onto the city's multi-use paths.

A meeting focused on e-bikes will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesday in the Boulder Creek meeting room of the Boulder Public Library, 1001 Arapahoe Ave.

The enhanced bikes are now only allowed in on-street bicycle lanes.

As part of the "Complete Streets" focus area of the city's transportation master plan, officials are looking for feedback on where the public feels e-bikes should be allowed, how the city should seek to engage the public during an e-bike pilot program and how such an program should be evaluated.

Comments offered at the meeting will be considering in drafting the pilot proposal.

The Transportation Advisory Board will hold a public hearing on the program on Sept. 9 before making a recommendation to the City Council, which will take up the idea in October.

The pilot program could be launched in November.

The program is one of several being launched this summer and fall as officials say the city is striving to better understand residents' transportation choices and pinpoint strategies that will encourage more people to walk and bike.